Handmade In Britain Exhibition, London May2012

As costs increase, quality slips and our awareness of the ecological and social impacts of mindless consumerism comes to the fore, more and more of us are turning our hands, hearts and time towards making our own handmade crafts, homeware, gifts, accessories and even clothing. Handmade Britain will celebrate these creative and resourceful endeavours with an exhibition of work by a selection of some of our countries' designers and makers in May. Items on display will be available to buy, so if you've not yet awakened your own creativity, head down to the London show to support the work of those who have and purchase their London themed pieces. Or, if your taste buds simply require some inspiration for your own craft, Gallery@Oxo will no doubt provide a feast of creative delight.

LONDON: A Celebration
gallery@oxo, Oxo Tower Wharf, Bargehouse Street, South Bank, London SE1 9PH
Thurs 10th - Sun 13th May 2012 | 11am – 6pm
Free Admission | Map

From: Handmade in Britain
"Appreciating British Crafts - Handmade in Britain is pleased to announce a unique selling exhibition showcasing some of the best British Designer-makers celebrating London in their own unique way...
London, being a big melting pot of culture, is known for its diversity and sense of free expression which is a huge source of inspiration for many artists of different cultural backgrounds.
The show celebrates the British creativity so abundant in London. Each designer will commemorate the capital city inspired by its heritage, diversity, colour and creativity through a range of disciplines such as ceramics, jewellery, glass, textiles and many more.
You will have the opportunity to purchase and commission pieces made specifically to celebrate London in 2012 by both up & coming and established artists of Britain. The show will allow you to get personal with British makers whilst supporting the skill and craftsmanship of Britain."

More info here | Handmade In Britain

ReUse And Resist, 27May11

The ReUse project is in its fourth year already! How time flies! Organised by the INSPIRE Collective, the project collects and displays pieces - predominantly of a street art nature - from around the globe for its regular exhibitions at central public locations in the Middle East. All displayed art is inspired and constructed from reused and recycled material.

ReUse inspires positive social change through its work, encouraging us to rethink what we already have and drawing us away from the notion that much of what we have and use is disposable and therefore lacking in meaningful value. Like an increasing number of art collectives in the UK and internationally, ReUse also displays artwork in empty spaces, making good use of what is already there and challenging ideas about neglected public space.

If you happen to be nearby Tel Aviv, Israel this weekend, pop along and be inspired. If it's a bit far to travel, check out previous exhibitions and work at the ReUse website and on flickr.

From: ReUse And Resist
"ReUsing IS resisting. When you rethink an object, space or, idea, you, by default, are shedding the idea that the pre-fabricated product sold to you is only created for a one time use...People around the world have their ways of reusing, but public artists display an activist role in reusing the largest thing possible: public space. Over 100 artists this year, coming together to REUSE & RESIST! By any means, possible, this is the show to see...

Witness the positive power of art in public space... watch and learn as this mid-east graffiti / street art energy inspires the collective population & challenges the social issue of neglected & abandoned space... Come and see DIY and public art culture blend as INSPIRE Collective shows us all how reusing and creatively rethinking neglected space is better for us all.

The streets of Tel Aviv will never be the same...there is a better way, no matter what they say! Present-day cities, the world over, have massive percentages of un-used & generally neglected public space. By itself, this fact quickly becomes its own negative social issue & it isn’t a phenomenon, it’s a disgusting norm of all industrialized cities at this point. WE MUST REUSE AND RESIST!!

But how?! Many social issues could be already solved by ReUsing & re-thinking public space. This year, let’s stop talking about it and started getting things done!

Location to be announced online 24 hours before the shows opening on May 27th."

Further Info: ReUse And Resist / Inspire Collective / Flickr - ReUse Project 4

Green Patriot Posters

The Canary Project have been working on a book called Green Patriot Posters which is full of designs based on WWII posters. The focus for the images in this publication has been updated from war-time efforts to promoting sustainable lifestyles and practices. There are some fabulous designs both in the book and on the website.

From: Green Patriot Posters - "During World War II the United States was able to mobilize industry and motivate its citizens in breathtaking speed. Factories were overhauled and consumption habits transformed. Strong, graphically compelling posters played a crucial role in the success of this campaign. These posters presented the actions of individual citizens as vital for the nation and portrayed those who took part as attractive, dynamic American heroes.
Today a similar mobilization is required to address the crisis of global climate change and achieve energy independence. That’s why The Canary Project and its partners have launched Green Patriot Posters..." More here

Get A Life - Become An Art Lover

From: Art Lovers Unite!, Vivienne Westwood, 3Dec10, Get A Life
"...If you become an art lover you get strength. You get a sense of personal progress because you start to understand the world and your place in it. You get out what you put in. That’s my motto.
I’ve given a good summation of my thoughts in this video recorded at the Battersea Arts Centre in London..."

Read more from Vivienne Westwood here and her Active Resistance To Propaganda Manifesto here